Live and Love Like an Animal
Animals can improve the health of all pet owners, even owners without any disabilities. Most animals lead healthy lifestyles, untainted by bad human habits like sedentary jobs and fast-food drive-throughs. Dogs and even some cats run, jump, and play. They eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’ve had enough. They get all the rest they need and they understand the importance of creating and maintaining bonds with others.

If you have a dog, chances are you’re walking him or her at least twice a day, giving your body the exercise it needs. And if you take your dog to a dog park, you’re more likely to socialize with other dog owners, another important factor in stress reduction. Many dog owners find that their pets are potent matchmakers, too. Picture it: two animal lovers get their leashes tangled and live happily ever after, slurping pasta Lady and the Tramp-style for the rest of their days.

Dirty Dogs
Animals also aren’t afraid of dirt, and they pick up microorganisms that they then share with their owners. That might not sound like a good thing, but it is. Especially early in life, our immune systems build antibodies to correspond with our environment. The more exposure we get when we’re young, the more antibodies against viruses and bacteria we build and the less likely we are to suffer from allergies, asthma, and other illnesses as adults. Magnolia can’t make me soup when I have the flu, but she can help strengthen my immune system so that I get sick less often.

Pets Care for You, Too
When most people consider adopting pets, they think about how much care animals need. It is a lot of work to feed pets, clean up after them, and take them to the vet—so why do we do it all? Because our pets care for us, too; they improve both the length and the quality of our lives. Even if you don’t (or can’t) have a pet of your own, try spending time with a friend’s dog or cat to reap some of these benefits. You can even treat yourself to some of the health bonuses by merely living as if you own a pet by going for regular walks, socializing, and getting dirty (not necessarily in that order). The likelihood is that you’ll find yourself leading a healthier, happier life, for which you can thank your furry friends.

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